Dismuke, Reed, Graus Return to Gwinnett Coaching Staff

LAWRENCEVILLE, GA - The Gwinnett Braves, in conjunction with the Atlanta Braves, announced Thursday the return of hitting coach Jamie Dismuke, pitching coach Marty Reed and athletic trainer Mike Graus to the Gwinnett coaching staff. All three will join first-year manager Randy Ready for the franchise's fifth season in 2013.

Dismuke returns for his fifth season as Gwinnett's hitting coach. Last year, he guided the G-Braves' offense to a .258 team average, seventh best in the International League. His talented offensive club featured the IL's Rookie of the Year, first baseman Ernesto Mejia, as well as the IL Batting Champion, outfielder Jose Constanza. In a four-year run with Gwinnett, Dismuke's clubs have produced two IL Rookies of the Year (including Freddie Freeman in 2010) and two Batting Champions.

Reed enters his third season as Gwinnett's pitching coach, his fifth campaign overall in the Atlanta organization. His 2012 pitching staff finished 12th in the International League with a 4.41 ERA one season removed from leading the circuit with a 3.33 ERA. In three previous seasons with the G-Braves, Reed has assisted in the development of 2011 IL Most Valuable Pitcher Julio Teheran, right-handers Brandon Beachy and Craig Kimbrel and left-hander Mike Minor.

Graus begins his 21st season with the Braves organization, his eighth season as the Triple-A athletic trainer and his fifth season with Gwinnett.

The three returnees will assist Ready, who was named Gwinnett's manager on November 12. Ready, a veteran of 13 seasons as a Major League infielder and three as a Major League hitting coach, is just the second manager in G-Braves' history dating back to 2009. He replaces Dave Brundage, who joined the Philadelphia Phillies organization in November.

The Gwinnett Braves open their fifth season of play on Thursday, April 4, 2013 as they host the Charlotte Knights for a 7:05 PM contest at Coolray Field. For more information on G-Braves Season Tickets, Luxury Suites, Group Outings and more, contact the Coolray Field Box Office at 678-277-0340.